Description
Poodles are highly intelligent, energetic, and sociable dogs.
Originally bred for waterfowl hunting, poodles are currently classified as companion dogs by the FCI. Since the late 1980s, some breeders in the United States and Canada have selected dogs with a instinct for bird hunting to revive the breed for hunting, with some success. Poodles are highly trainable dogs that typically excel in obedience training. Historically, they were popular in circuses. In addition to hunting tests, they do well in agility and rally. They are among the most popular service dog breeds.
Poodles have been used as working dogs in the military since at least the 17th century, most likely because of their highly intelligent and trainable nature. Their background as a hunting dog makes them suitable for battlefields, and they can be trained to ignore gunfire. During the English Civil War, Prince Rupert of the Rhine had a famous hunting poodle who would ride into battle with him on horseback. Napoleon Bonaparte wrote in his memoirs about the faithfulness of a grenadier's pet poodle who stayed with the body of his master at the Battle of Marengo.
The above characteristics, of course, apply generally to Poodles, with Toy Poodles primarily being perfect household companions.
FCI Standard
Poodles are highly intelligent, energetic, and sociable. Originally bred as water retrievers, they are now primarily companion dogs, though some breeders in North America are reviving their hunting instincts with success.
Exceptionally trainable, Poodles excel in obedience, agility, and as service dogs, and they have a long history in circus performances and military roles due to their intelligence and adaptability to challenging environments.
While these traits apply across the breed, the Toy Poodle is particularly suited as an ideal household companion, embodying the Poodle’s keen mind in a small, affectionate package.